THUNDER BAY -- The federal government is providing $2.8 million to Cat Lake First Nation in response to the March 2 fire that destroyed the community’s nursing station.
"Following the devastating fire of Cat Lake First Nation’s nursing station, the federal government committed to being by the community’s side, and we meant it,” said Jennifer Kozelj, press secretary to Patty Hajdu, minister of Indigenous Services.
The $2.8 million will go towards the purchase, transport, and set up of the modular units, which have already arrived in the community, as Cat Lake’s new health facility is built.
“As the community recovers, the federal government will ensure Cat Lake has the supports and services they need, when they need them,” Kozelj said in a statement.
“We are with the community every step of the way."
Nishnawbe Aski Police Service and the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal are investigating the March 2 fire, which is initially believed to be electrical in nature.
Chief Russell Wesley said “it’s too early to speculate” but some believe the cause of the fire was electrical.
NAPS officers from the Cat Lake First Nation detachment received a call for service regarding a structural fire just before 9:30 p.m. Once on scene, officers observed smoke and visible flames coming from the community’s nursing station.
Since then, a temporary nursing station was set up in the community and more than 80 people were brought from Cat Lake to Thunder Bay to receive acute levels of care.
